KUCHING: The Juma'ani In Vitro Orchid Micropropagation (JIVOM) Project at MARA Junior Science College (MRSM) Kuching became the centre of attention when the Patron of the Sarawak Orchid Society (Saroso), Dayang Norjihan Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari, made her inaugural visit to the institution's laboratory and mini orchid garden on Thursday.

According to MRSM Kuching Deputy Principal of Talent Development, McManus Singh, the JIVOM project, which was carried out in collaboration with the Sarawak Orchid Society, is a crucial initiative in preserving local orchid species that are increasingly endangered and going extinct.

"MRSM Kuching is honoured to be chosen as the pioneer of this project. What is even more impressive is that the entire breeding and care process is carried out by the students themselves at the MRSM Kuching Orchid Laboratory," he said.

So far, three groups of students are involved in the project and they are expected to represent Malaysia at an international programme in Germany next year to present their research results.

He explained that Dayang Norjihan's visit on Thursday day gave a boost to MRSM Kuching residents, especially students involved in the STEM-based innovation project.

She also visited the Orchid Garden which houses more than 80 species of orchids including several endangered species before touring the Orchid Laboratory.

"This visit is hoped to open up more opportunities to expand student innovation projects to the global level," he added.

The JIVOM project, which began at MRSM Kuching, is currently the only laboratory in Malaysia to carry out systematic orchid micro-breeding.

This is in line with MRSM's focus on developing students' talents holistically through academics, leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship. -UKASnews